Despite its rich history, Kabaddi only began to develop as a proper professional sport with the advent of formal leagues, rule changes, and global expansion. The transformation of the sport-from dusty village fields to the modern days of stadiums-is exciting and this beautiful evolution will be traced on khelraja.com.
Origins of Kabaddi: From Village Sport to National Format
The Game has existed probably for thousands of years now, with references found in Vedic texts as well as in rural India. However, the way forward toward professionalism began during the early 1900s, which was followed by the first set of rules drafted by the Maharashtra legislators in 1921, followed by organized tournaments in 1923. The first nationwide competitions were, however, organized by the All-India Kabaddi Federation since its formation in 1950. The first of the nationals since 1952. The Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) was formed and consolidated in 1972.
International Recognition: A Competitive Leap
The game earned greater professional credentials with its entry at major international events. It was demonstrated at the Asian Games in 1951 and 1982 and thereafter became a medal sport in 1990. These international competitions assisted in preparing players, enhancing broadcasting, and creating awareness at the global level.
Turning Point: Establishment of Leagues
The real shift in When Did Kabaddi Become a Professional Sport came with league formats launching in the 21st century.
- 2004: India hosted the first Kabaddi World Cup, which offered cash prizes and promoted selected elite players.
- 2014: Professional Kabaddi League (PKL) was launched in India, featuring city franchises, player auctions, live TV coverage, and professional setups in stadiums. PKL Season 1 drew an approximate audience of 435 million-the second largest after IPL cricket.
- The Global (World) Kabaddi League was initiated in 2014, followed by the British Kabaddi League and Pakistan’s Super Kabaddi League.
- Upon receiving international recognition, these leagues became game-changers by providing professional salaries, sponsorship deals, international rosters, and television-friendly formats.
What Makes 2014 a Turning Point?
- Kabaddi, earlier than 2014, was just regarded as a national sport. The PKL and Global Kabaddi League evolved towards the formal recognition of Kabaddi as a professional sport:
- Franchise Model: Teams like Jaipur Pink Panthers and U-Mumba were backed by celebrities and corporate houses in full view.
- Media and Sponsorship: Star Sports bought 74% shares in the parent company of PKL, assuring the highest production standards and widest possible distribution.
- Rule Refinement: Timed raids, statically timed to 30 seconds; scoring system finally crystallized; specialized, mat-based arenas; all these changes brought professionalism to the way the game was played.
- The market changes gave Kabaddi a modern twist, with big bucks, entertainment value, endurance, and implementing strategies.
Expansion Gestation Stage
Once it got the image of professionalism in India, the game’s global outreach expanded tremendously:
- International Leagues: Leagues were set up in Pakistan, Britain, and Canada during the period of 2014-2018
- World Cups and Other Events: The International Kabaddi Federation and World Kabaddi tournaments invited teams from Iran, South Korea, USA, UK, and Australia
- Kabaddi in Asian Games and World Cups: Competitions In Asia since 1990 and World Cup games in 2004, 2007, and most recently in England in 2025 gave silent platforms for professionalism
- Today, the game is not just a professional sport in India but a global one—played in stadiums, telecast across the world, and followed by millions of viewers.
What does it Means for Players and Fans?
This professionalization of the game has many advantages:
- Player Empowerment: Just like cricket or football players, they train full-time for a salary with endorsements.
- Fan Involvement: Franchises loyal to the core, fantasy leagues, and viewing experiences have unleashed a whole new fan-realm.
- Commercialization: Brands such as Paddy Power, Top Ramen, and Bollywood stars are sponsoring teams, generating visibility and sponsorship.
- Grassroots: Youth idolizing pro players like Pardeep Narwal, Rahul Chaudhari, and Anup Kumar provides a fertile ground for talent development.
When you wonder why and how the game became a professional sport? The answer lies in its transformation from a rural pastime to a global spectacle-2014 and after being a critical one. While codified rules and federations laid the foundation earlier, it was the establishment of professional leagues, led by the Pro Kabaddi League, that marked the professional branding of the game as a business and entertainment. From village fields to plush stadiums with roaring crowds, this amazing journey is a testament to how traditions can modernize and thrive on the global stage. And if there’s one thing to be assured-it’s only the beginning.
Also read: Why Is Kabaddi Gaining Popularity Worldwide in 2025?
